Geraldine Treacy has joined the race for Town Trustee, which now has seven candidates. In addition to Treacy, Mike Williams, Wendy Koenig, Bob Holcomb, Paul Fishman, Judy Fontius, and Ward Nelson have all filed nomination petitions with the Town Clerk's office to vie for three positions on the Town Board in a municipal election April 1.

Treacy moved to Estes Park three and a half years ago from the east coast, fulfilling a lifelong dream to live in the place she first visited when she was 15 years old. Her work experience includes many years as an executive assistant for major accounting firms and eight years as a travel agent. While working full time, she attended Temple University in Philadelphia and earned a degree in journalism/communications in 2005. She also worked as a restaurant review columnist for a New Jersey paper and was a guest travel expert on a local radio station in Pennsylvania.

For Colorado College, Treacy was a fund-raising coordinator and presented her workshop on business etiquette to students, faculty, and staff. Prior to the flood, Treacy operated two businesses in Estes Park: Time Off Tours and Rocky Mountain Wedding Planning. She is a certified wedding and event planner and ordained to perform wedding ceremonies.

Traecy is actively involved in the Estes Park Women's Club and serves on the board of the local disabled veteran's group. She is a volunteer in the fund-raising office of the Estes Park Medical Center, belongs to a local Christian book club, and works as a stringer for the Estes Park Trail-Gazette. She has recently enrolled in the Citizens Police Academy to "learn more about the daily operations of the police department and experience conditions similar to the training they receive."

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Treacy has five children, three of whom now live in Colorado. "I consider Estes Park to be my life-long home and therefore have a vested interest in maintaining our little bit of paradise," she said, "I believe my experience working for both large corporations and small businesses on the east coast gives me business acumen ... I understand the importance and challenges of attracting tourism.

"Town leadership must abide by strong leadership principles and stewardship for the common good of all," she said, "I recognize that the position is a responsible, non-partisan position that requires strong dedication and time commitment."

To encourage communication, Treacy developed a Facebook page for her campaign - Geraldine for EP Trustee - and welcomes suggestions and opinions on that site as well as via email: GTforTrustee@yahoo.com

For more information about Treacy, her complete biography, and her candidate statement, visit: estes.or/elections

(Trail-Gazette): What is your approach to economic development, or is it even an issue in the Estes Valley?

(Treacy): " Economic development is more important than ever since our devastating flood in September significantly impacted the town's economy. Estes Park has dropped from the third most-visited Colorado town, down to fifth in the state. The Economics Institute at Colorado State Universityanalyzed the results of the flood and concluded that it is feasible that the negative economic impact in Estes Park could approach tens of millions of dollars.To make the town's economy viable again, we cannot accept the status quo and rest on our laurels. Property taxes and tourism are down, greatly affecting the town's revenue; therefore, it is imperative that the focus is on the goal of uphill progress. The "new normal" for the town is not an acceptable reality if we want to continue believing we are living in a piece of paradise. A healthy, vibrant, and sustainable community requires local government that is committed to ensuring that its citizens feel safe, healthy, and do not ignore local needs when focusing on increasing tourism. All sections of the community should feel welcome to participate in decision-making."

(Trail-Gazette): What is your stance on the Anschutz Wellness Center at the Stanley Hotel?

(Treacy): " I was 'on the fence' about the proposed project for a while because I was concerned about the economic impact upon the greater Estes Park community. We love our unique mountain community, and the tendency is to think "If it ain't broken, don't fix it." However, our quality of life here depends on the town's economy and the Anshutz Wellness Center will provide additional tax revenue to the town and an immediate infusion of $1 million much-needed dollars to the town. The additional tax income and lodging tax means an additional $287,000 that the town will gain annually. With the recent changes in healthcare coverage, reimbursements to Estes Park Medical Center are down. Brian Herwig, EPMC's CEO describes this opportunity as the best financial opportunity he has seen in 25 years of health care management experience. "Ensuring the financial health of our local hospital is crucial to the community's economic vitality and personal health."

"The CSU study estimates that the town of Estes Park will gain revenue of over $4.7 million in the next five years. The EPMC/Anschutz Wellness Center project will expand our destination brand. Better paying jobs that the Center will provide should help the outflow of young people from the town that seek higher salaries. Best of all, the project is privately funded at no cost to tax payers. The Center will be the flagship for the other wellness centers in the state as part of the state's initiative to be recognized as "the healthiest state." F.O. Stanley believed that to be true and came to Colorado to improve his failing health due to TB. Our altitude improved his health dramatically.

"The location of the wellness center will not impede the panoramic view of the stately Stanley Hotel. Its architecture will complement the hotel. Like the many organizations and individuals whom support the project, I have become convinced that the EPMC/Anshutz Wellness Center is a win-win for all."

(Trail-Gazette): What is your stance on Lot 4?

(Treacy): "My stance on Lot 4 is to vote "Yes" to sell the lot. Voter approval for the sale of Lot 4 is essential to establishing the Wellness Center. Grand Heritage will own the 6.88 acre Lot 4 with at least 40 percent of the area remaining as open space as required by development code. The Estes Park Medical Center will have a 99-year ground lease for constructing and operating a world-class wellness facility. Maintenance and upkeep of all facilities will become the responsibility of Grand Heritage."

(Trail-Gazette): What is your stance on the community wellness center (the rec. district proposal)?

(Treacy): "I believe a central, comprehensive community center with activities for families and diversified interests will benefit both locals and tourists. Because of the high winds in Estes Park, I find the proposed indoor walking track to be very practical and appealing. The center will have a wellness component to it, but it's also about art, culture, recreation, family ties, and a larger, much-needed senior center. In addition, the center will have an aquatic center, possibly a satellite library branch, a school district-sponsored enrichment program and a proposed community garden. This indoor activity center will be a great alternative to outdoor activities that aren't an option when the weather is bad."

(Trail-Gazette): What opportunities does the flood recovery activity present as the community moves forward?

(Traecy): "Despite the unfortunate heavy losses for many businesses and residents, our community has remained strong in the aftermath of this unforeseen disaster. A special flood relief fund was set up through Crossroads Ministry and contributions poured in. Many people volunteered to shovel mud. Residents proved they were "mountain strong" when they lived in the "no flush zone" for more than a month, and yet managed the major inconvenience with a "pioneer mentality." Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper praised his state for rebounding after last month's historic flood. "You can't help but be inspired," he told the Loveland Chamber of Commerce this week, celebrating a "spirit of recovery" that has opened most roads and emptied every temporary shelter. Some businesses gave up, but most are in it for the long haul.

"Often we are unaware of an impending hurricane, tornado, fire, or flood. Visit your local authority's website beforeyou're in an emergency situation.

"Find out who the local authority is during disasters; the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website contains state-by-state disaster lists on their website (fema.gov).

Your town's website (estes.org) will often have links to local agencies with information on disaster response, school closings and evacuation plans in your area.

If you work outside of the home, ask your employer's human resource department if there is a protocol to follow in disasters.

Stay informed and plan ahead: The purpose of this page is to provide accurate and timely information in the event of an emergency managed by the Town of Estes Park. Every community is susceptible to disasters. When disaster strikes, governmental organizations will try to help you; but you also have a responsibility to protect yourself and your family by knowing what to do before, during and after a catastrophic event.

Learn how you can prepare at ready.gov. Schedule an emergency preparedness program for your neighborhood, organization or business by calling 970-577-3700.

Consider using the evacuation checklist from the Estes Valley Library. Install a reflective address sign to ensure emergency services can find your home.

Get familiar with fire safety using resources from the Estes Valley Fire Protection District. Are you Fire wise? Learn more about wildfire safety.

Are you a business owner? Learn how you can be prepared for emergencies.

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(Trail-Gazette): What is your stance on the proposed 1% Town sales tax increase?

(Treacy): "I believe the 1% town sales tax increase is necessary for the following reasons:

The town's four flood-related recovery months of sales tax revenues in 2013 were $424,069 less than the same time period in 2012. That reflects a drop in total sales of $10,601,725.

"The increase of one cent on a dollar on the rate increase from 7.5% to 8.5% will add revenue of $2 million per year, 60% would be used for road improvements, 12.5% for multi-use trails, 25% for the Community Center, Senior Center and Museum, and 2.5% for Emergency Communications—all needs identified by residents in the Town's citizen survey, 2013 community visioning sessions, and Museum/Senior Center Master Planning. By increasing sales tax slightly for ten years, Estes Park can allow visitors to pay about two-thirds of the cost for these assets. Estes Park's current sales tax is well below that of other mountain resort communities.

"We have to face the expensive reality that, like many communities across the U.S., infrastructure is coming to an end of its useful life. We need about $1.25 million annually for 10 years to bring town roads up to a "fair" standard."

Geraldine Treacy is one of seven candidates who have, to date, filed petitions with the Town Clerk to run for one of three available seats on the Town Board. These positions will decided in a poll ballot election held at Town Hall on April 1 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Registered voters who are at least 18 years old and have lived in the Town of Estes Park for a minimum of 12 months prior to the election date are eligible to run for Town Board by filing a completed nomination petition with the clerk's office by February 28.

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